Tobacco.org

Cigar dealers sue city over tax / Wholesalers seek to block levy due to take effect July 1 

Tobacco wholesalers say they want the city tax eliminated now because it conflicts with state law and pre-empts the changes due in state law next year.

The lawsuit, filed in Baltimore Circuit Court, also contends that the city has no authority to impose the tax on an industry regulated by the state. "This is a prime example of a nuisance tax," said lawyer Bruce C. Bereano, who filed the suit on behalf of the companies. The companies suing are: F. A. Davis & Sons Inc., A. Fader & Sons Inc., George J. Falter Co. Inc., B. Green and Co. Inc., Triple C. Wholesalers Inc., Century Distributors Inc., United Drug Services Inc., BenLex Tobacco Shop and Max's Trading Co.

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